The bathing place directly under the Faculty was built at the time when the building was used as a priestly sanatorium, and only the users of the sanatorium had permission to use it. The sanatorium was open for six months of the year, and during this time up to 24 priests stayed here, visiting the sanatorium primarily for swimming in the sea. That is why the older population still calls this beach Banj od popi (Chakavian spa – bathing place for the priests). At that time, seaplanes also docked here, bringing a wealthy clientele for a well-deserved break from the city.
The favourable sea air and the sea were the logical choice for the treatment of various diseases. Most sanatoriums and spas had hydropathic props, so various water therapies were carried out: electric baths, carbonated baths, air baths, there were also various showers, steam baths, saunas, wraps, poultices.
Inhalations, radiation, gymnastics, and the famous Thure Brandt massage, which was popular with wealthy ladies and was used to calm hysterical conditions, were also used.
FUN FACT: This massage was the impetus for the invention of the vibrator in 1883.
